Case New Holland has tentatively decided to close its plant in Burlington. Around 350 people work there.
Kristina Post, CNH External Communications Specialist, said the decision is tentative because it’s subject to a process known as “decisional bargaining,” which allows the United Auto Workers union to engage in the decision bargaining process.
The UAW was notified of the decision on Nov. 7.
Post said the decision is part of the company’s “continuous global initiatives to streamline operations, minimize costs, and bolster competitiveness in a changing market.”
The Burlington plant manufactures backhoes, tractor loaders, and rough terrain forklifts. If the factory is closed, production of that machinery will be moved to other CNH facilities in the U.S. and Europe.
Burlington CNH workers went on strike from late April 2022 to January 2023 over what they called insufficient pay raises and drastically increased healthcare costs. During the walkout, Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont came to Burlington to address workers at a rally and support them.
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